A Regrettable Funerary Object for an Empire

Without exception, the fall of empires is related to economic recession, political struggle or social disorder. In contrast with a rising China, the U.S. not only has economic and trade problems, but also domestic partisan fighting and societal division. A look at Donald Trump’s speeches, in which he attacks “left-wing forces and recent immigrants” in the country, reveals a little about this.

Many scholars assert that the only way the U.S. can slow its decline is by honestly facing that its dominance is already fading away and no longer attempting to control the world order. Unfortunately, Trump is hard pressed to change his profit- and attention-seeking disposition. Whether it’s engaging in the trade war; threatening to, or withdrawing from, various international organizations and agreements; or attacking Iran after the easy victory in Venezuela and blaming allies for their inaction — all these have not only made him look bad, but they have also allowed “emerging hegemonies” to obtain unexpected global power.

As for Taiwan, it is caught between the U.S. and China. In addition to accusing Taiwan of being a “chip thief,” Trump is trying his hardest to relocate the semiconductor supply chain to the U.S. He has even forced us into spending huge amounts of money, which will create debt for future generations, to arm Taiwan like a “porcupine and beehive.” If this is the cost that uproots everything in terms of relying on the U.S. for Taiwan’s independence, when there is a new tomb in the “graveyard of empires,” who will be the most expensive and regrettable funerary object?